Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has been close to a return for a couple of weeks, but there was a ramp-up period for the second-year back.
With his last NFL action being back in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Irving has had to sit on the sidelines and watch his teammates toil away.
And that has been hard, especially lately, with the Buccaneers losing four of their last five games as their lead in the NFC South is now gone, while their playoff spot is also on shaky ground.
It has been eight weeks (including the bye) since Bucky has been on an NFL field, and when asked how he found sitting on the sidelines for so long, he is answer was exactly as you would expect.
“Tough,” Irving said. “It's always tough not being able to go out there and go to war with your guys, but just being able to go through that, learn from that, and just being able to move on. I'm happy to be back with my guys.”
More: Buccaneers' Bucky Irving reveals mental toll of injury as long-awaited return nears
Will Baker Mayfield play in Week 13?
Currently dealing with an AC joint injury, Mayfield was seen in a sling against the Los Angeles Rams, but now it is all about pain management, according to Baker.
But he's under no illusions that not being 100 percent is not good for the team if he were to play, and he did state he would know more about his limitations later this week at practice.
If Baker can't go, veteran Teddy Bridgewater will get the nod in what is a crucial game for the franchise, given the state of the NFC playoff picture and division.
Irving is back, but Baker might not be, so it might be one in, one out for Tampa Bay as it's officially gut-check time for Todd Bowles' team.
But at least now, Irving can be part of the solution.
More Buccaneers news:
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Where is Shilo Sanders? Lack of new NFL team news for Shedeur's brother leaves fans waiting for update
Bucky Irving fantasy advice after grim Week 13 workload update from Buccaneers OC
Buccaneers offer confusing injury update on Baker Mayfield with Teddy Bridgewater QB decision looming